XENIA — A newly formed independent drama group, Alternate Theatrical Productions (ATP), will be performing a brand-new musical for the first time.
“The Sower,” a dystopian rags-to-riches story set in the year 2112, will run at Central State University’s Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center through July 29. The musical explores themes of forgiveness and second chances.
Musical director and author of the musical, Nathan Price, helped found the group around two years ago, but due to some unforeseen circumstances the group did not officially join together until fall of 2021.
Price said he got the idea to create a musical after watching a performance of Annie by another local drama group, Stage Lefters. Price also worked with his former drama group, Class Act, before creating his own.
“As I’ve worked with a lot of high schoolers, I’ve seen a lot of talent in high school,” he said.
Price said that because professional acting is such a competitive career field, many of these talented young adults choose to leave theater behind during and after high school. ATP, according to Price, acts as the outlet these talented individuals are looking for that can work around a regular schedule.
ATP is made up of mostly high school and college students, according to Price, but there is no age limit. The youngest member of the group is just 14, while the eldest is in their 60s.
“Primarily, it’s a creative group that is aiming to do original works,” said Price. “Our vision is to produce quality original art right here in the Dayton area, it’s a collection of different professionals.”
Performances begin each day at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee July 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $8-$18 per person, with a run-time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, as well as a 15-minute intermission.
Catherine Pope is one of the performers in the play, and said she is extremely excited for opening night. According to Pope, auditions for the group were in March, with rehearsals beginning as late as May this year.
Ken Kettering, who previously directed shows for Legacy Christian Academy in Xenia, is the performance director.
Contact Ethan Charles at 937-502-4532.
